Ski area asks full-moon hikers to be responsible

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ASPEN - Aspen Skiing Co. officials are asking hikers to be respectful after parties of more than 100 people were reported at the top of Buttermilk Mountain during nights with full moons last winter.

With the season's first full moon taking place Wednesday night, at least one party is already planned.

Buttermilk has a hut and a bonfire pit on its western peak where hikers can get warm before heading down the mountain. Officials are concerned because the area has been trashed and damaged in the past.

According to the Aspen Daily News, popularity has increased in the past couple of years on nights with a full moon.